In the quote from Milan Kundera's "Farewell Waltz," jealousy is compared to a painful toothache, highlighting its overwhelming and distressing nature. Just as a toothache can dominate a person's thoughts and actions, jealousy can consume someone, making it difficult to focus on anything else. This emotion becomes a constant burden that prevents the individual from finding peace or comfort in their surroundings.

The imagery of being unable to sit still and only able to move back and forth signifies the restless state that jealousy induces. Living in such a state results in an internal struggle, where the individual feels trapped in their emotions, unable to think clearly or enjoy life. The quote reflects the universal experience of jealousy, illustrating how it disrupts one's ability to engage meaningfully with the world.